Overpacks used when drums fell off a lorry and into the road, this footage demonstrates how to place a damaged drum into the Overpack safely.
COMMENTATOR
The lorry loaded chemicals in Antwerp harbour.
It was on it’s way from Antwerp to Hamburg.
On a crossroad it had to perform an emergency breaking maneuver.
37 drums with a hazardous chemical started sliding, rolled off the lorry and fell on the road.
LORRY DRIVER (FRENCH)
I was driving and watching bicycle riders in my rearview mirror because I fell they were a little too close. When I looked ahead again the car in front stopped abruptly to make a turn.
I slammed mine and the drums slid of my truck.
COMMENTATOR
The lorry was transporting various chemicals but the most hazardous fell of.
7 drums of which are very badly damaged.
The drums contain acetychloride a chemical used as basis to make other chemicals.
FIRE CHIEF
It is a flammable and aggressive product, it is rather nasty, we have to be prepared for the worst.
COMMENTATOR
The local fire brigade gets help from nearby brigade specialized in hazardous accidents.
Extra material from nearby brigades in brought in.
In protective suits and breathing equipment they test for possible leaking drums.
FIRE CHIEF
I think we have the situation under control now.
We double checked for damaged drums, isolated the most damaged and are now going to overpack with Poly Overpacks.
COMMENTATOR
The adjacent roads are blocked during the operation. But an evacuation of the neighborhood
Was not necessary.
LOCAL MAJOR ( usually Pollitickers know dip but an occasion to get their face on tele is always nice)
I’ve asked to keep windows an doors closed because the vapors are irritant. But there is no immediate danger. We are monitoring the progress but as long as there are no drums leaking we do not want to cause panic.
COMMENTATOR
The entire clean up lasts until 1 am.
But end well all well, no hazardous material leaked.
